Unlocking the Untold Bankai: Revealing the Vast Arsenal of New Powers in Bleach's Post-Manga Era
Unveiling the thrilling world of Bleach's post-manga Bankai revelations! Discover the awe-inspiring powers of Shinji Hirako, Shuhei Hisagi, and Senjumaru in their mind-blowing Bankai forms Dive into the epic continuation of the Bleach saga that keeps fans buzzing!
Despite ending a long time ago, the Bleach manga continues to captivate fans who are eagerly following the series. This enduring enthusiasm can be attributed to the introduction of new Bankai powers in the spin-off light novel, Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, and the anime adaptation, Bleach TYBW. It is worth noting that three new Bankai have been unveiled since the conclusion of the Bleach manga on August 22, 2016. Each of these Bankai, whether featured in the Can't Fear Your Own World Novel or the Bleach TYBW anime, serves a distinct purpose and warrants thorough analysis.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World novel and Bleach TYBW anime.
Exploring all three new Bankai that were revealed after the ending of Bleach manga
Bleach character Shinji Hirako, a fan-favorite, showcased his first Bankai in Ryogo Narita's novel Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World. While Narita wrote the story, author Tite Kubo supervised the events, including the unveiling of Shinji's new Bankai.
In this light novel, the Captain of the 5th Division employed his Bankai, Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari, to combat a wave of hollows. As Shinji activates his Zanpakuto, it transforms into a staff adorned with a large ring. Additionally, pink smog envelops the area while Shinji himself is surrounded by golden-colored flower petals.
Shinji's Bankai (Image via Pierrot)
As stated in the novel, Shinji's Bankai possesses the ability to reverse his foes' perceptions regarding allies and adversaries. Essentially, it magnifies the impact of his Shikai: Sakanade, which solely affects their sense of direction. Once activated, Shinji's adversaries become turned against one another, eventually leading to their own demise, while he remains safeguarded amid the surrounding flower petals.
1) Shinji Hirako's Bankai: Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari
Due to its indiscriminate nature, the Seireitei has banned the use of Shinji's Bankai. Additionally, this Bankai is only effective against a large group of opponents and is virtually useless when facing a single adversary. It is important to note that this particular Bankai does not appear in the Bleach manga. However, in the latest installment of the Bleach TYBW part 2 anime, Shinji's Bankai was showcased in animated form for the first time.
In the Bleach manga, Shuhei Hisagi never utilizes his Bankai. However, in Ryogo Narita's novel Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, his Bankai, Fushi no Kojo, is finally revealed. To prevent Hikone from causing further chaos, Shuhei unleashes his Bankai in the novel's climactic conclusion.
There were suggestions within the Bleach manga that Shuhei honed his Bankai during the events of the Bleach TYBW arc. Regrettably, the author didn't have an opportunity to exhibit the deputy lieutenant's Bankai in the narrative. However, the spin-off light novel provided the ideal platform for him to unveil the true power of his Zanpakuto.
Shuhei's Bankai showcased in Bleach Brave Souls (Image via Pierrot)
Shuhei finally comprehended his Zanpakuto, realizing that Kazeshini's powers dwelled in its chains instead of the scythe. With his Bankai, Fushi No Kojo, Shuhei ensnares both himself and his adversary in a cage made of chains, while a massive chain ball hovers above his head. Utilizing the reiatsu from both Shuhei and his opponent, the chains of Kazeshini mend their wounds during the battle.
Once Shuhei activates his Bankai, the fight rages on until either he or his adversary depletes their reiatsu. This Bankai is not designed for lethal purposes, but rather to halt the opponent's actions. The inclusion of Shuhei's Bankai in the Bleach TYBW anime, similar to Shinji's Bankai, is yet to be determined, following its mention in the Bleach manga.
2) Shuhei Hisagi's Bankai: Fushi no Kojo
The Bleach manga did not fully showcase the true potential of Squad Zero members. However, in the latest anime adaptation of the Thousand Year Blood-war arc, their abilities are given proper recognition. The finale of Bleach TYBW part 2 anime unveils Senjumaru's Bankai, named Shatatsu Karagara Shigaraminotsuji.
This Bankai is completely unique to the anime adaptation, with no prior references to other media. When activated, Senjumaru's Bankai reverberated throughout all realms, causing powerful tremors. It transformed the entire environment, surrounding her with massive fabrics produced by a colossal loom.
Senjumaru's Bankai (Image via Pierrot)
Though the specifics of her Bankai's abilities remained unexplained, it appeared to effortlessly identify her adversaries' vulnerabilities and construct tailored chambers from various fabrics. Interestingly, Senjumaru's Bankai exhibited the ability to manipulate both ice and fire, unhindered by the conventional elemental limitations of a Zanpakuto.
Senjumaru's Bankai proved to be formidable as it demonstrated the ability to intricately weave and imprison her victims within her fabrics. This impressive power was instrumental in her victory against Yhwach's Schutzstaffel. Stay updated on the latest anime news and manga updates as we move forward in 2023.
